The first thing to remember about the people in Goa is the fact that they are 'Goans' and not 'Goanese'. They do not particularly like being called 'Goanese', so calling a Goan a 'Goan' will see you through the first step of camaraderie. When the Portuguese took possession of Goa, they tried every method in the book to root out the prevailing Hindu and Muslim culture. Despite this fact, the Goans have managed to retain their original culture.
The
people in Goa are a unique race for more ways than one. This distinctiveness and also a separateness of the Goans have resulted more from centuries of seclusion - both political and geographical. So the chief feature of the people in Goa is the element of mingling; mingling of cultures, traditions and life-styles. As a direct result of this fact, religious fundamentalisn does not feature in their lexicon and religious tolerance is a regular feature of Goan life. This is because of the
people in Goa consider themselves to be a Goan first and a Hindu, Christian or Muslim afterwards. The population of Goa is mostly Hindu, with them making up 65% of the population. Among the minority, the Christians are a majority cutting a close second with 30%. The Muslims and other religions make up the rest of the population.
Most Goans are fishermen by profession. Fishing is one of the main elements of the Goan economy that is rampantly practiced by the Goans. Moreover every person in Goa contributes to the promotion of the tourism industry in some way or the other. They either own a shop, or they let out their houses for rent to the tourists, or they own small shacks by the beach where they cook delicious Goan food for the tourists in Goa. If you happen to go there, you will hear all the people in Goa will telling you that, Goa is less a state of India and more a state of mind.
Last Updated on 4th October 2010
